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Type: Journal Article
Author(s): Marie-Charlotte Nilsson; Olle Zackrisson; O. Sterner; A. Wallstedt
Publication Date: 2000

The purpose of the study was to characterize the relative competitive and phytotoxic potential of 2 closely related dwarf-shrub species, Empetrum nigrum and E. hermaphroditum, which form clones in a mosaic pattern in post-fire successions of the boreal forest of northern Sweden. Morphological and growth parameters were determined of both species, bioassays and chemical analyses performed, and field experiments established to explore possible differing interference effects on trees by the 2 species. Both Empetrum spp. had very similar morphological and growth characteristics. E. hermaphroditum exerted considerably greater negative effects than E. nigrum against Pinus sylvestris and Populus tremula seed and seedlings. These negative effects were related to the different substitution of a bibenzyl in the 2 species. The effect on seed germination of the 2 bibenzyls isolated from E. nigrum and E. hermaphroditum was compared with that of other simple phenolics; the latter were found to be inactive, indicating a specific phytotoxic component in the bibenzyls. P. sylvestris seeds planted into clones of both species in the field revealed that E. hermaphroditum had much stronger inhibitory effects than did E. nigrum, and the addition of activated carbon partially reversed these effects. Seed germination, biomass and survival of P. sylvestris after 4 seasons were significantly lower in E. hermaphroditum- than in E. nigrum-dominated plots. It is concluded that while both Empetrum spp. are superficially very similar morphologically, they have vastly different effects on tree seed germination, seedling establishment and growth. These effects appear to be due, at least in part, to the different chemical profile of the 2 species.

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Citation: Nilsson, Marie-Charlotte; Zackrisson, Olle; Sterner, O.; Wallstedt, A. 2000. Characterisation of the differential interference effects of two boreal dwarf shrub species. Oecologia 123(1):122-128.

Cataloging Information

Regions:
Keywords:
  • boreal forest
  • interference effects
  • phytotoxic chemicals
  • post-fire restoration
  • post-fire succession
  • shrub competition
  • Sweden
Record Last Modified:
Record Maintained By: FRAMES Staff (https://www.frames.gov/contact)
FRAMES Record Number: 4801